Report Confirms Columbia Ignored Decades of Doctor's Sexual Abuse

"On Tuesday, Columbia released a long-awaited report that details a culture of silence that allowed OB-GYN Robert Hadden to abuse more than 1,000 patients during his nearly 25-year career at Columbia. In unveiling the report, the university also announced that two long-time administrators are leaving their positions."

"The report outlines how more than a dozen patients' complaints had gone nowhere, in part because of the lack of clear reporting procedures. The report also found a 'hierarchal institutional culture' in which physicians occupied an 'exalted' or 'god-like' status that made it difficult for staff to report concerns."

"Yesterday's report was prompted by a ProPublica investigation that revealed how Columbia had dismissed women and ultimately protected a predator. Amid outrage in the wake of the 2023 story, Columbia announced it would set up a $100 million fund for survivors and initiate an independent review."

Columbia University released a comprehensive report documenting systemic failures that enabled OB-GYN Robert Hadden to abuse more than 1,000 patients during his nearly 25-year tenure. The report revealed a culture of silence and institutional hierarchies that prevented reporting and accountability. Two senior administrators—Dr. Mary D'Alton, chair of the OB-GYN department, and Dr. Lee Goldman, former dean of the medical school—have stepped down from their positions. Both were administrators above Hadden and were copied on a 2012 letter allowing him to continue treating patients after his arrest. The investigation was prompted by a ProPublica investigation exposing Columbia's dismissal of victims and protection of the predator. Columbia established a $100 million fund for survivors and commissioned an independent review. The report identified inadequate reporting procedures and a hierarchical institutional culture that elevated physicians to god-like status, discouraging staff from raising concerns.

Read at ProPublica